If your hormones are out of balance, having a baby might be difficult. Here is what you should know about excessive prolactin levels.
Prolactin levels that are too high might cause problems with conception. Fortunately, treatment can restore your prolactin levels to normal, allowing you to resume your conceiving efforts.
What is hyperprolactinemia?
Hyperprolactinemia is a condition in which the hormone prolactin is present in excessive amounts and Prolactin is a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland and is responsible for the production of breast milk after a baby is born, among other things.
Prolactin levels are predicted to be high in new mothers. When a woman isn’t nursing, her prolactin levels are extremely high, which might cause complications.
What effect does hyperprolactinemia have on fertility and pregnancy?
Fertility and pregnancy are dependent on a proper balance of reproductive hormones that operate together and at the correct moment. Fertility can be affected if one of those hormones is out of balance.
Prolactin excess can cause irregular ovulation and decrease the quality of the luteal phase, or second half of the menstrual cycle, reducing fertility. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the hormone that stimulates the maturation of ovarian follicles, can be inhibited by too much prolactin. There is no ovulation without FSH, therefore it is impossible to get pregnant without ovulation.
Although the connection is not well established, some experts believe that higher-than-normal prolactin levels during pregnancy may raise the chance of miscarriage.
Symptoms of hyperprolactinemia
Hyperprolactinemia can cause the following symptoms:
- Irregular periods
- Lack of periods
- Irregular ovulation
- Anovulation (no ovulation)
- Lactation (galactorrhoea)
Causes of hyperprolactinemia
According to a 2013 study, pituitary tumours are responsible for nearly half of all hyperprolactinemia cases. A tumour of the pituitary gland is known as a prolactinoma. The majority of these tumours are noncancerous. However, depending on a person’s sex, they might induce distinct symptoms.
In women, it is caused by one (or more) of the following:
- Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels)
- Chronic kidney failure
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Antihypertensives
- Anti-nausea medications
- Estrogen
- Stress, physical or psychological
- Chest wall injury
Hyperprolactinemia treatments
The reason of your hyperprolactinemia will determine your treatment. To rule out the potential of a tiny benign growth, your doctor may order more blood tests and maybe an MRI of the pituitary gland.
Treatment options vary depending on the cause:
- Lowering prolactin levels with medication. When you get pregnant, you should normally stop using these drugs.
- Eliminating any medications that may induce elevated prolactin levels. Instead, your doctor could suggest an alternative.
- Pituitary tumours can be removed with medication or surgery. The great majority of cancers may now be properly treated without surgery thanks to modern medications. However, if the tumours are bigger and pose a danger of harming other brain structures or producing significant symptoms, surgery may be the best option.
- Hypothyroidism treatment If the hyperprolactinemia was caused by hypothyroidism, such treatment will typically eliminate it.
When to Consult a Physician
If you’re having difficulties conceiving, your doctor may recommend tests to check if hyperprolactinemia is a factor in your infertility. If you have too much prolactin, blood testing can indicate it, and treatment will vary depending on the cause. An MRI or CT scan may be recommended by your doctor, or you may be sent to an endocrinologist.
Hyperprolactinemia might make it more difficult to conceive. The good news is that with the correct medication, prolactin levels may be normalised, increasing your chances of getting pregnant.
In the last five years, the fertility segment in India has expanded at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%. The country undergoes approximately 2-2.5 lakh IVF (In vitro fertilisation) procedures each year and has the capacity to perform approximately 5-6 lakh IVF cycles.
Wish for a Baby is a brand-new fertility show that aims to provide a complete and trustworthy information base on all aspects of fertility treatment in India. Whether they are just thinking about establishing a family, have been trying for a while, or want more children, Wish for A Baby can help them.
Wish for a Baby is an inclusive show, which implies that everyone, regardless of relationship status, sexual orientation, or ethnic background, can find a way to parenthood on the show.
A complete cutting-edge seminar schedule will run alongside the exhibition; given by world-leading consultants, clinicians, and specialists, it will provide visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the best.
To ensure that the exhibition stands and seminar material providers are a reliable source of high-quality information, exhibitors and speakers will be by invitation only.
Participants will be invited to apply to Wish for a Baby Board for approval. This curated approach will ensure the highest standards for all exhibitor and visitor stakeholders.
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